#HECO drone

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric will begin this month using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas throughout Maui. Inspections will continue through June 2026. 

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric will begin this month using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas throughout Moloka‘i. Inspections will continue through May 2026. The drones play a critical role in the inspection process in Maui County, and on Hawai‘i Island and Oʻahu as the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.

Hawaiian Electric is raising awareness about its drone operations after one of its contracted drones was damaged while midair, downing the tool as it was being used to inspect overhead lines on Maui last week. Company representatives say the drone was purposely targeted. As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric is using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections within Maui County, Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu to inspect its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas.

Hawaiian Electric will be using unmanned aircraft, or drones, for aerial inspections of its infrastructure near Kaʻahumanu Ave. and Liholiho Street in the Wailuku area on Thursday, July 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.